For Parents

Dear parents!Welcome to the parenting webpage! At Finkelstein Memorial Library we know how hard community parents work to provide the best environment for children to thrive, learn and grow. The library is here to help you. In the Children’s Room we have a special Parenting Book collection which includes titles about general parenting and books geared toward more specific topics to help parents guide children through all stages of youth. Some examples of picture books available for you to share with your child include potty training, new siblings, special needs, adoption and diverse families. So next time you are in the library stop by the Children's Reference Desk and ask a librarian. We are here to help!

RESOURCES ON RAISING CHILDRENTopics include: Parenting tips, Health and Wellness of Children, Education including Childcare, and Local EntertainmentThe USA government family website has information on governmental resources and services for parenting. Includes but not limited to childcare, student grants, nutrition, hospital comparison, internet safety, fire safety, car seat safety, bike safety, lead poisoning, pregnancy, newborn care, adoption, and grandparents raising grandchildren. Kids government website is a safe place where kids can create, play and learn online on many subjects from arts and math to history. Family Education covers everything from pregnancy to teens, on parenting, learning, activities, and meal planning. There is a community message board. This website produced by Pearson Education is an ALA recommended website. Parenting and Babytalk magazines website with parenting tips, kid friendly cooking, and crafts.

KIDS HEALTH & WELLNESSAutism Speaks website extensive resources includes learning the signs, diagnosis, finding therapists, doctors, after school programs, combating bullying, safe toys, advocacy, and research. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers information on preventing childhood lead poisoning. Their extensive search system covers any other disease that might concern your family. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raise awareness and build a community for hope for all of those in need.The National Center for Learning Disabilities provides information on advocacy and support for families with children that have learning disabilities. New York State Department of Health covers a variety of topics including medical news, state health innovative plan, emergency preparedness, health insurance programs, and obtaining birth or other records.Puberty 101 For Parentsprovides tips on talking to children about growing up.The United States Department of Agriculture provides an extensive website on eating healthy for families. It includes healthy eating on a budget, recipes, menus, activity sheets, physical activities suggestions, and a SuperTracker for online diet record keeping. WebMD’s news and features related to family care and parenting. WebMD website provides an overview of all health issues. Their search box allows visitors to learn about specific diseases, aliments, symptoms, doctors and health care reform.

EDUCATION AND CHILDCAREChild Care Resources of Rockland provides referral services to families seeking accessible, affordable, quality early childhood and school age care and education. East Ramapo School District Spring Valley, NY local public schools website. The National PTA strives to make every child's potential a reality by engaging families to advocate for children. Some topics this website cover but are not limited to are allergies, engaging males into raising children, special education toolkit, smart snacks, health and safety and of course a parent's guide to student success. Rockland County Youth Bureau provides program initiates like the Teen Employment Education Network, local Americorps Opportunities, and YouthFest at RCC.

Challenger Learning Center Route 59 Airmont, NYHudson Highlands Nature Museum Outdoor Discovery Center in Cornwell, NY provides year round education and events for all ages on our local wildlife, flora and ecology at either their Outdoor Discovery Center or Wildlife Education Center. They offer speaker presentations, natural play area, outdoor discovery center, stroller nature walks, summer and school break camps, and birthday parties. Museum Passes Finkelstein Memorial Library offers free library passes to many museums in the New York area including Museum of Modern Art, American Museum of Natural History, Discovery Museum and Planetarium, Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum, The New York Botanical Garden, Children’s Museum of Manhattan, New Jersey Children’s Museum (Paramus, NJ), Stepping Stones Children’s Museum (Norwalk, CT), for information of borrowing library passes, please see the circulation department.New York New Jersey Trail Conference is the non-profit organization in the area that maintains hiking trails in the area. Their extensive map system, books and online resources makes visiting parks in the area safer and easier for the whole family. Please always stay on the marked trail!Rockland Tourism helps you and your family live, love and explore your own backyard. Learn all that is going on in our county from free festivals to farmer’s markets. Explore all the wonderful parks and arts in our area.The Tenafly Nature Centeris nature preserve in NJ. With almost 400 wooded acres, it’s a perfect location for environmental education to observe wildlife, cross-country ski, snow-shoe and ice skate on Pfister's Pond. Special events include: Bats for Beginners, Summer Nature Day Camp, Apple Cider Making, and Family Campfires.